Boating in Florida
Boating in Florida
By Nigel G. Worrall
Planning to go to Florida this vacation? Then do not miss out on some great boating adventures while you are in the area as they are sure to be a part of a memorable vacation. Make the most of the sunshine and warm climate as Florida is the perfect place to be for outdoor sports. If you love the ocean, you will be spoilt for choice as you can enjoy a number of water sports like surfing, canoeing, kayaking, surfing, sailing, swimming, snorkeling and boating.
With a coastline measuring 8,000 miles and inland waterways spread over an area of 4,500 square miles boating in Florida is like living in a virtual paradise. Having a boat ranging from a small wooden skiff to a huge magnificent yacht is a must have vehicle for many Floridians and it’s easy for visitors too.
If you are interested in taking a boat trip in Florida, there are many popular boating routes that you can take. Down to the eastern coasts of Florida lies the ‘ditch’, a natural dredged channel, sprawling over a span of 500 miles, a very popular boating route, which passes through creeks, rivers and dredged canals. Maintained by the Florida Inland Navigation District it is also called the Intracoastal Waterway.
Okeechobee Waterway is another very popular boating route for the Summer. It stretches between St. Lucie Canal and Lake Okeechobee, including Sanibel Island across the Caloosahatchee River.
With inland water in abundance all around Florida, this place is the hub for many water sports which makes boating in Florida such a thrilling experience. Canoeing or kayaking can be done over an area of 1000 miles, which includes many waterways and State Parks. This is possible across 36 routes planned by The Florida Canoe Trail. Boating is even possible near to Orlando and its world famous attractions. There are many suitable lakes for enjoying a day out on the water and even Walt Disney World gets in on the act as they offer a fleet of sea raycers, sailboats, pontoon boats and canopy boats with which you can explore the Disney grounds.
For those who are interested in diving and snorkeling, there are around 4,000 diving sites. Florida is famous for its coral reef which is a virtual delight for snorkelers. You can go as far as 200 feet below sea-level at the Gulf of Mexico where an artificial reef has been created.
The state government of Florida endeavors to make Florida a boater’s paradise. While you are boating in Florida, there are a lot of places that you can visit. Baker’s Haulover Inlet in Miami and Peanut Island on Palm Beach County are great places to anchor out. Sanibel Island on the west coast of Florida is an ideal hideout for romantic couples or family vacations. The Florida Keys is outstanding for water sports and is a must visit.
If you wish to go boating in Florida, then it’s easy to rent, lease or charter your own vessel. Professional yacht brokers can be expensive, but you will find many places, where you can get boats at a reasonable price just by surfing the internet.
If you enjoy the thrill of fishing, you can enjoy deep sea fishing and your chances of catching that sailfish or marlin are high. While boating in Florida you can also enjoy the unique experience of fishing by night and by the pristine coral reefs, that mean you can find snapper and grouper in abundance.
Making the perfect boat trip is a vacation rental home. After a busy day at sea or on the lake, coming home to your fully equipped rental home relaxes the senses and the mind. Take a dip in the private swimming pool or just relax in one of the spacious lounge areas and plan to do it all again tomorrow!
Finally, don’t miss the two major boat shows; The Central Florida Boat Show runs August 6 to 8 at Orange County Convention Center in Orlando and October 28 to November 1 at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. The shows are a great way to see what’s new and you’ll enjoy marveling at all the new boats, yachts, electronics, engines and thousands of boating accessories from every major marine manufacturer and boat builder worldwide.
©2010
